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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Fifteen

Why haven't I seen you wear that pair of shoes that I made you?

I'm worried that if I walk around in the shoes that Miss Shen Jia made me

it would be a hindrance to your future marriage.

By then, not only will Xi Niang blame me for it

but you would blame me as well. Right, Sister?

In the future, if you want to make more shoes

you should make them for the one that you love.

Wei Qing!

Duan Hong.

Miss Shen Jia.

Duan Hong, you need to see His Majesty about something?

I have to see him about something as well.

- Let's go in together? - Sure...

Shen Jia, Duan Hong and I still have matters to attend to.

Why don't you go and get the princess' floral ball now?

- Greetings to Your Majesty. - At ease.

Wei Qing, you're an uncle now.

Have you met the little princess yet?

Yes, the little princess is very smart and agile.

I came in to find Your Majesty and my sister enjoying family time.

I wonder if it is appropriate to report official matters now?

I almost forgot that I have to see you both about an official matter.

- Wei Qing, I'll talk to you first. - Sure.

Duan Hong, you haven't held the little princess in your arms yet?

Here you go.

- Wei Qing, this way. - Yes.

This part is almost finished.

In my opinion, we could build a few more gardens

between Shanglin Imperial Park and Jianzhang Palace.

We could then gather rare flowers and trees that would help with agriculture.

Duan Hong, you should relax a bit.

Just rock her gently, like this.

Put your hand here.

Use the other hand to support her.

That's right. Just like this.

What do you mean by circling this part with red ink?

The foundation is too loose in this area.

It needs to be solidified with more rocks.

This part of the foundation also needs to be repaired.

This is Uncle Duan who is carrying you now. Do you know that?

Don't cry. Be good. Here, I'll take her.

What do you plan to do with this empty spot?

This area is specially set aside for military training.

We can use it to train the soldiers and organize the troops.

Good!

Wei Qing, you consider everything very carefully indeed.

You have not let me down.

Thank you for your compliments, Your Majesty.

Could you be Zheng Qing?

I am Duan Hong!

Duan Hong?

Duan Hong!

Where is your sister, Zi Fu?

Greetings to Your Majesty.

You told me that you share an intertwining-hair relationship

with a young lady outside Shanghaiguan.

Is this true?

Your Majesty, please hear me out.

Be good. Don't cry.

Here, let me take her.

Princess Weizhang is the best.

'Since she went to her husband, why do you think of her further?'

- Wei Qing, what brings you here? - Why? Can't I just come over?

You seem to be in a panic. Could you be writing about your feelings

and was afraid to be seen?

I was just writing randomly.

Writing randomly?

You must be full of emotions to be able to come up with such lines so randomly.

Wei Qing, don't make any assumptions.

The meaning of these words is very obvious.

Whom I used to love is already married, why do I still miss her?

I'd like to know who it was that you used to love and who it is that you miss now?

Don't tell me that the one you used to love is that woman outside Shanghaiguan!

Or should I say that she is your childhood playmate

that orchid in the palace, my sister the love of His Majesty, Wei Zi Fu?

No! Don't make such assumptions!

Wei Qing!

Duan Hong, since we were little

you've treated me as your younger brother and I regarded you as my older brother.

Since we reunited

You taught me the rules of the palace

and you taught me swordsmanship. I regard you as my mentor!

When I was captured, you risked your life to save me.

I regard you as my savior.

Today, I'm not here to force you or to embarrass you.

It is for the safety of my sister that I have to be straightforward with you.

Wei Qing, get up first.

The feelings you have for my sister, You can choose to admit it or deny it.

I saw it very clearly today. I only have one question for you.

If I was not the one who spotted your true feelings today

but His Majesty, what would happen then?

I know that I shouldn't and I would never ever dream of it!

That is why I've sworn to the gods to keep my love for her forever buried.

I just want to protect her quietly.

You said that you would always protect my sister.

But to have designs on another's wife is already a death penalty.

Not to mention His Majesty's woman.

Would you still be alive to protect her?

The orchid may be beautiful, but it is already taken.

Duan Hong, if you do so, what regards do you have for the affiliation

between monarchs and courtiers?

What regards do you have for my sister's safety?

How would I not know the danger behind this?

I've done my best to avoid any suspicion!

But I'm always around His Majesty so I have nowhere to run!

If you have nowhere to run, then there is only one word for you.

Leave.

If you have nowhere to run

then there is only one word for you.

Leave!

It may sound strange.

I've gone past here very often to get to Weiyang Palace.

But I've never found anything special about this place.

Yet when I look closely today, I found that the scenery here is beautiful.

Especially the clear lake.

It reminds me of the little river that we used to float bamboo lanterns on.

The scenery here is indeed beautiful.

That year when His Majesty brought me to the palace we went by here on the boat.

I couldn't take my eyes off it.

His Majesty was afraid that I'd suffer hardships in the palace.

But I had no fear at all.

There are indeed a lot of disputes and conflicts here in the palace.

You and Wei Qing have both suffered a lot of hardships.

But it would all turn out for the best.

Yes, all those obstacles in the past are not worth mentioning.

But they are all in the past now.

Now, all the favor and love cannot be measured.

I am already content.

If so, then why did the tune that you played give off a mild sorrow?

Recently, His Majesty has been troubled by the wars at the frontiers.

He mentioned that Zhang Qian hasn't returned from his mission to the west.

No one has heard from him yet.

That is indeed a thorn in His Majesty's flesh.

I had already invited His Majesty over to Orchid Pavilion

to have some wine and play the zither.

His Majesty was still worried about possible chaos at the frontier.

I am but a woman and could not share the burden for him.

The situation is complicated at the frontier.

His Majesty does indeed need someone to share this burden.

His Majesty has too many things to consider.

Actually, you've been helping His Majesty all along.

In the case of Ji An's distribution of grains

you helped His Majesty so that he could leave the palace to investigate the case.

You weren't afraid to offend Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager.

As for the villain, Han Yan

it's because of your concern for servants that we found a valid reason to kill him.

And...

You've continued the bloodline of the imperial Han family

and just gave birth to the Emperor's first child.

Isn't that sharing the burden of His Majesty as well?

You're still so good at comforting me.

I remember when we were little whenever I was unhappy

you'd play the ocarina for me, to cheer me up.

Speaking of which, I haven't heard you play ocarina in a long time.

It's been so many years already.

I couldn't play it well then. I always played it out of tune.

It was so nice of you to smile so happily then.

But I heard from His Majesty that you now play it very well.

I haven't played it for a long time. I could only play some old tunes.

And I've already long lost that ceramic ocarina of mine.

Let's not bring up the past. And don't be bothered by troubles.

Don't worry. As for the matters of the frontier

there will be someone to share His Majesty's burden.

- Who else is here to challenge me? - Me!

Who else dare to compete with me?

I'll compete with you.

Supervisor of Jianzhang Palace, Wei Qing.

I learned that His Majesty has set up a ring here today

to choose generals and train soldiers. I'm here especially to seek advice.

Use the coming force to attack the opponent.

To move left, first move right. Sometimes safe, sometimes dangerous.

He leaves the opponent at large to capture him later.

It's hard to tell if he would go forward or back.

Thank you!

Wei Qing, let me ask you this.

As a commanding general, what virtue and talent should you have?

The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence

courage, and discipline.

With those five qualities, he can lead a victorious army.

Among the five qualities, why does wisdom come first?

Those who are wise, know their enemies as well as themselves.

Make use of our strengths to combat the enemies' weakness.

Why should a commander be trustworthy?

Trustworthiness is the foundation to gaining trust of the soldiers.

A commander must be a man of his word. His punishments and rewards are just.

All soldiers will respect him and obey his command.

And what about benevolence?

The battlefield is a place of life and death.

How could one be benevolent?

Benevolence is the key to having soldiers adhere to the commander.

A benevolent commander can empathize with his subordinates and be their role model.

- Hence, all soldiers adhere to him. - Good!

Wei Qing, step forward to receive your title!

Present!

You are skilled in archery and horse riding. You are well-read in the art of war.

Moreover, you have the talent of a commander.

I hereby award you the title of Superior Grand Master!

You will be in charge of training the soldiers and building a courageous army.

Destroy foreign enemies and pacify the inner rebellion!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

I will do my best so as not to let Your Majesty down!

You may be dismissed!

Yes.

This year's banquet to admire flowers is different from the previous years.

It happens to be Princess Weizhang's one hundredth day anniversary.

The apricot blossoms are in a particularly vibrant full bloom.

It is a sign of great auspiciousness.

The apricot trees are blooming in great abundance.

It must be celebrating the birth of Han's little princess.

Pingyang has said it well.

Lady Wei was recommended by you in the first place.

You deserve the credit for the birth of Han's new daughter.

I reward you a gold and purple jade hairpin.

Thank you for the reward, Grandmother.

In my opinion, the apricot trees are blossoming so well

as a sign of Great Han's continuity of bloodline

and the longevity of Grand Empress Dowager.

I wish Grand Empress Dowager a long and happy life.

Good!

Jiao Er.

You've lead the harem well. It has been peaceful and harmonious.

I've prepared a bombax tree for you, as a gift.

All the Madames, Beautiful Ladies and Good Ladies are all given a pear with gold leaf.

I hope that you may all continue to grace the harem.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Lady Wei!

Present.

Can Princess Weizhang turn already?

If she can turn now

I'll reward her with a jade table and bed an ivory mat and a green bear rug.

Your Highness, she is still learning to turn.

Then I'll reward her with five-colored jade bangles then.

I thank Grand Empress Dowager on behalf of Princess Weizhang.

Also, I reward Empress Dowager and Princess Guan Tao

a vessel of imperial wine each.

- Thank you, Mother. - Thank you, Mother.

All right then, everyone is rewarded.

Everyone is happy now!

Grandmother, there is still one person who hasn't been rewarded.

My, my. I really have left out a person.

I haven't rewarded Che Er yet.

I know that Che Er has been busy with national affairs.

But he has never forgotten to greet me. I commend his filial affection.

I will reward you with

'Permission granted.'

Thank you, Grandmother.

Lady Wei, step forward.

Sometime earlier, I'd asked Grand Empress Dowager to appoint you as Madame.

Today, Her Highness rewarded me with 'permission granted.'

- Bai Min. - Present.

Order the weaving and dyeing office to prepare silk dresses.

Order the Grand Scribe to formally award Lady Wei the title of Madame Wei.

Yes.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Warm blessings to Grand Empress Dowager.

Warm blessings to Grandmother.

- Qiu Ping, you may leave us now. - Yes.

What is it? Are you still angry?

Whenever I visited, haven't you always welcomed me fervently?

I'm no longer as glorious as before.

I'm not as good as those wild weeds and flowers at Orchid Palace.

I'm not skilled in temptation and could not win His Majesty over.

Now, even my grandmother who dotes on me the most

doesn't care about me anymore.

Silly child. You don't even understand the reason I did this.

It's such a waste of my efforts.

As a grandmother, I have to uphold your dignity

as well as secure your position as the Empress.

Then I have to let the Emperor dote on you.

You have to understand the predicament that I am in.

Grandmother is in a difficult position.

Because it is so difficult to dote on me

that you took sides with someone else today!

We agreed not to give her a title for a year.

Now it has been more than a year

and Lady Wei has even given birth to a child already.

Why haven't I awarded her yet? What is it for?

It is for the sake of the Empress' dignity!

Then today, why did you...

Although I have acted selfishly

Lady Wei is still as filial as she always.

The Emperor hasn't held a grudge either.

If I still don't award her a title

I can't guarantee that the Emperor will continue to favor you.

I've misunderstood Grandmother.

But I'm really upset today. Everyone is looking at me.

It was as if they were watching some show.

Jiao Er, as the Empress, this is what you must go through.

It's Lady Wei today.

It could be other concubines some other day.

You are bound to be present at such scenes.

If you can't take it, then how can you be an Empress?

I've done wrong. This is all my fault.

I'm not broadminded enough.

And it's been years that I have been barren.

I've wasted Grandmother's love for me.

So what if you have children? So what if you don't?

So what if Lady Wei had a son?

They would only be awarded titles as feudal princes at most

because they were not born to the Empress.

They could only manage feudal states and the frontier for Han dynasty.

Jiao Er, you are still young. There is still a long way to go.

Remember, you will always be my favorite grandchild.

Jiao Er will always serve Grandmother.

I will always be filial to Grandmother.

I will be an obedient grandchild.

And you must be a thoughtful and caring wife.

Che Er has been worried and troubled about the issues at the frontier.

Stop being so willful. Do you understand?

Jiao Er understands.

You want to go to the western regions? I won't allow it.

Zhang Qian has been away as an envoy for years.

We have no news of him as yet.

You would look for him for me. Where would you go in search of him?

Whenever there's disruption in the western regions

Your Majesty is always deeply troubled.

You sent Zhang Qian so that he would bring back the descriptions of the territories

the military situation, supplies, and traditions.

You seek to know our enemies so that we may succeed in conquering them.

This is a difficult task. We must not rush into things.

There has been news of disruptions lately so it's even more dangerous now.

You don't have to take such a risk.

Your Majesty, it is because the enemies have been acting up recently

that we should all the more understand our western regions better.

We have to get the complete picture of it to be able to plan thoroughly.

Your Majesty might not have said so explicitly, but I understand.

Let me ask you. You've suddenly asked to leave Shaghaiguan.

Are you going in search of that lady you had once been with?

If so, I could send men out in search of her for you.

Your Majesty, I no longer hold on to my past romance.

I'm willing to go on this mission out of respect for Your Majesty's

ambitions and love for your people. I hope to be of service.

Do you know that going to western regions is running towards death?

I was once stationed at the frontier.

I'm familiar with the local traditions and customs.

I'm the most suitable person to go on this mission

in search for Zhang Qian and to investigate into the military power of our enemies.

Your Majesty, I have no family and nobody to worry about.

If I can share your burden in gratitude of your kindness

that is what I wish for.

Please grant me your permission.

Lady Wei has asked me here urgently. May I ask what is the matter?

It was all joyous that I was awarded the title of Madame

and my brother Superior Grand Master.

I was going to hold a feast so that we may all celebrate together.

But...

But I heard that you've asked to be sent as an envoy to the western regions.

I cannot be happy about that at all.

Lady Wei should be happy for me that I can realize my ambition.

But Duan Hong, you should know that there have been conflicts

in the western regions for years.

Foreign enemies are raging and bandits are everywhere.

Even if you want to...

even if you want to have an accomplishment you don't have to choose this place.

Duan Hong, are you in some sort of a predicament?

We are as close as a family.

If you have any trouble, just share it with us!

We can help you out.

Zi Fu...

I am indeed upset.

Because I have yet to realize my ambition.

Wei Qing trains in archery, horse riding

and studies swordsmanship and military strategies.

He took on challenges in the ring to fight for his position. What is that for?

Is it not to get the chance to fight on battlefields to protect our nation

and make a name for himself?

I may not be cut out to be a commander, but His Majesty has treated me well.

Now that I have the chance to realize my ambition

I am serving His Majesty within my ability.

- But... - Zi Fu.

A man is ready to realize his ambition anywhere in the world.

Now that Wei Qing is a Superior Grand Master

it shows that not only can he protect the nation, but also his family.

I am at ease now.

You don't have to talk me out of this anymore. Just let me be.

When will you leave?

I'll leave the day after tomorrow at five in the afternoon.

You're leaving in such a hurry?

My inauguration ceremony is in two days time.

If that is so, I won't be able to...

I won't be able to see you off then.

That won't be necessary.

That won't do. You're just like my brother.

How could I let you leave just like that?

Duan Hong, could you postpone it for a couple of days?

After I've been conferred to my title, I'll hold a feast to see you off.

I believe that His Majesty will agree to it.

All right?

Zi Fu, do you want a knot for peace and safety?

If the ocarina can be tied to the waist belt, it won't be lost.

Why don't you try again to persuade Duan Hong not to leave?

The western regions are indeed very dangerous.

I can't sway his determination.

Moreover, he is sharing the burden of His Majesty. I should be grateful.

Don't be worried. Men should seek to realize their ambitions in the world.

It's not just Duan Hong but Wei Qing will also have to fight on the battlefield.

It is good to accomplish great things, bring prosperity and peace to the nation

but what's more important is to return home safe and sound.

As much as I can't bear for him to leave

all we can do now is offer him our blessings.

I'll let you braid the peace knot.

Uncle Yi.

I heard from the guards outside that you're leaving with the troops tomorrow?

Didn't you say you would bid us farewell before you leave?

His Majesty has already agreed to it.

I have to leave anyway.

If we bid each other farewell, it just makes everyone more upset.

Uncle Yi, you're here to see me for...

Have a seat first.

There are all sorts of elixirs and lotions in here that can heal

internal and external injuries..

This is to ensure your safety along the way.

Thank you, Uncle Yi.

Once you leave, you are on a path of great danger.

There is a crisis at the frontier and this is a great opportunity

to repay His Majesty's kindness.

This is even more so for the one who is on your mind.

I don't know what Uncle Yi is referring to.

It's fine if you understand, and it doesn't matter if you don't.

Everyone in Orchid Palace is like family to you.

Some words should be left unsaid. It's fine as long as you understand.

Here. I've made you some steamed bread.

Let's have a drink. We'll treat this as seeing you off.

Sure.

Help yourself to the food.

Zi Fu taught me how to make this steamed bread.

If you find it to your taste, I'll make you more to have on your trip.

Uncle Yi knew that I would leave with the troops

so that we wouldn't have to bid a sorrowful farewell?

When you were injured last time, I brought you soup many times.

I saw how you looked after the orchid, and took care of Wei Qing.

You are such a sentimental person, how could you bear to bid farewell?

Here's a toast to Uncle Yi.

Sure!

You really have nobody to care about after you leave?

Of course I do. Especially everyone in Orchid Palace.

But His Majesty is troubled by the issues at the frontier.

How could anyone around him be peaceful and happy?

Relieving His Majesty of his worries will also make those around him at ease.

It seems that you are leaving out of love as well.

Now that Zi Fu is a Madame and Wei Qing is a Superior Grand Master

Orchid Palace will no longer be bullied.

Moreover, Uncle Yi is here as well, right?

I just hope that you can take good care of yourself.

May you accomplish the task as well as heal your broken heart.

Here!

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

Wei Zi Fu, step forward to receive your title.

His Majesty's imperial decree states that Wei Zi Fu is virtuous and gracious.

She gave birth to a daughter and is a respectable mother.

She is to be given the title of Madame.

From now on, she will abide by moral excellence and bring blessings to the harem.

Moreover, His Majesty bestows 500 bars of silver and 500 bars of gold.

50 bolts of silk.

I thank Your Majesty for your kindness.

- Congratulations, Madame Wei. - Congratulations, Madame Wei.

Thank you, my sisters.

I knew it would be so.

It was only a matter of time before you were awarded the title of Madame.

Madame Wei will have to look after us more in the future.

We are a family. Our hearts are bound to each other.

I only ask that we get along in harmony.

Duan Hong.

After we bid farewell today, I don't know when we will meet again.

I'll leave everything here to you.

Gongsun, my brother is your brother. I'll leave him to you.

Don't worry.

I take my leave.

Depart!

In the past, they wouldn't even stay if we asked them to.

Now they are only willing to leave when it is already dusk.

That Lady Yao kept saying polite words. She kept talking all the way to the door.

They might all start being mean and sarcastic again someday.

Zi Fu.

Mother, aren't you going to fetch the aged wine that His Majesty bestowed to us?

I'll go and get it now.

Zi Fu, take it.

I'll bring it to him now.

That won't be necessary. He has already left.

I'm afraid he's already at the palace gates.

[Blessings]

Do you still remember who he is? He is our childhood playmate.

You are... Duan Hong!

- You still remember me? - I could never forget you!

Whenever I'm out in the wilderness, I think of you, the Big Dipper.

Hold it!

Archery Steward of the Imperial Guards Duan Hong is commanded by His Majesty

to stop anyone from entering the chambers of Orchid Palace.

Invaders, die!

This time, I owe it to Duan Hong for saving my life.

If he hadn't risked his life to rescue me, I would be dead by now.

Duan Hong!

I haven't heard you play ocarina in a long time.

I haven't played it for ages so I only know the old tunes.

Besides, my ceramic ocarina was long lost.

[Be safe]

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